method and arrangement for simulating an analog display in test instruments with digital display.

摘要

A method for simulating an analog display in a digital display spectrum analyzer (or other digital display test instrument) comprises the steps of defining a plurality, N, of traces of the signal to be displayed, assigning coordinate values to points along each trace, and plotting and simultaneously displaying each of the N traces by illuminating corresponding pixel locations on the CRT as indicated by the assigned coordinate values. The method permits effective simulation of trace persistence as commonly found in analog display test instruments. According to one embodiment of the invention, a color graphics controller/color CRT may be provided, in which case gray scales may be generated and displayed to simulate variations in intensity levels as commonly found in traces plotted on analog display test instruments. An apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.